PACDA asks residents to burn coal outside homes

Coal is the most common fuel used during the winter in rural areas and villages. As well as heat, however, coal emits high levels of carbon monoxide, which poses a significant risk to people while they sleep

MUSCAT: As the weather gets cooler, the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) advises nationals and residents to be cautious in how they heat their homes.

Coal is the most common fuel used during the winter in rural areas and villages. As well as heat, however, coals emit high levels of carbon monoxide, which poses a significant risk for people while they sleep.

PACDA officials noted, “If they don’t have any other source of heat and have to use coal, we ad- vise that they burn the coal completely outside of the house, then bring it in.”

“When it’s inside the house, keep the windows and doors open so that the carbon monoxide is not contained in one spot, as it could cause suffocation, then death,” warned PACDA officials.

The civil defence also advised to thoroughly drench coals with water and make sure they are extinguished before dumping the coal in garbage bins, to assure they do not start fires.

Fewer accidents expected

When asked how officials expect the situation to be this winter, PACDA said, “We believe there is more awareness about the issue and we expect fewer fire accidents this winter.”

Additionally, using an electric heater is a cause for concern during the winter.

“Some keep the heater or radiator on during the entire night, which will overheat and possibly cause a fire. That needs to be avoided,” said a PACDA official.

PACDA also advised nationals and residents to avoid using exposed or old electrical connections for the heaters, to avoid short circuits, and to never place connections under carpets or furniture.

Parents are also advised to monitor their children and avoid leaving them alone in the vicinity of an electric heater.

According to PACDA Report 2015, residential establishments topped the list of fires, where 1,126 residences were affected followed by residues with 769 and vehicles at 743.